HISTORY CURRICULUM AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This Study Stems From The Motivation To Find Out Whether The Nigerian School History And International Studies Education Curriculum Addresses The Canons Identified As Variables Of National Development. The Study, Therefore, Aimed At Examining The Content Of The Nigerian History Syllabus, As A Curriculum Document, And How It Promotes National Development. It Is A Qualitative And Quantitative Study. Three Research Questions Were Formed To Guide The Study. Senior Secondary School Students In Both Public And Private Secondary Schools Across Plateau Central Were Used To Satisfy The Quantitative Requirements Of The Study. Content Analysis Was Done By Examining The History Syllabus For Qualitative Requirements Too. Both Quantitative And Qualitative Data Established That The History Curriculum Inculcates National Values Which Invariably Promotes Development. It Is, Therefore, Recommended In View Of The Findings That The Compulsory History Education Policy Be Effectively Implemented, History Curriculum Should Be Adjusted, Ict Education Be Incorporated And Qualified History Teachers Employed To Teach History In Our Schools. This Would Help Instill Common Values And Deepen The Understanding Of National Issues In The Learners Which Are Required For Development.